In today’s information-saturated environment, we are constantly exposed to a flood of health content through social media, news outlets, and AI-driven platforms. While these channels offer unprecedented access to information, they also serve as breeding grounds for misinformation, particularly around sensitive and high-impact topics such as reproductive health, vaccines, fitness, nutrition, and mental health. This session will equip you with the skills to critically evaluate health information they encounter, understand how algorithms and AI shape what they see, and use AI tools responsibly to fact-check and verify claims. Through interactive activities, real-world case studies, and practical demonstrations, attendees will leave with concrete strategies for making informed decisions about their health and helping others do the same.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session, you will be able to: 1. Identify reliable vs. misleading health content by applying criteria such as source credibility, evidence quality, and bias detection. 2. Explain how algorithms and AI influence health information exposure, including personalization, echo chambers, and misinformation amplification. 3. Apply step-by-step verification techniques for assessing claims, images, and videos found online. 4. Demonstrate responsible use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini) to cross-check information and identify red flags. 5. Recognize the role of critical information literacy in promoting lifelong health decision-making skills.

Presenter: Nella Davies